Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) called for the government at all levels and other private institutions to give Youth an opportunity to participate in decision making and to end age-related barriers in all spheres.
CITAD Program Officer Yesmin Salako, made the call in Abuja while speaking at panel discussion with the FCT rural communities, organized by CITAD with support from Action Aid in commemoration of the International Youth Day (IYD).
According to Yesmin Salako, creating an enabling environment and giving youth an opportunity to participate in decision making and to end age-related barriers in all spheres will bring national development.
She said Nigeria cannot solve its major present and future challenges without considering the input of the young people today.
On his part Actionaid Manager Local Rights Program Mr. Kehinde Arowosegbe, said international organizations will continue raising awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.
He also urged youths to challenge every excuse and not to lose hope in seeking new opportunities and embracing entrepreneurship as a viable option to address youth unemployment.
International Youth Day (IYD), celebrated each year on 12th August, is an awareness Day established by the United Nations. The Day aims to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. It was first celebrated on 12 August, 2000.
The theme of the 2022 International Youth Day is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for all Ages”